Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Aug 9: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman was conferred the honorary title “Bharata Lakshmi” during a special ceremony at Shri Krishna Math, Udupi, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, in a celebration that blended spiritual reverence with national pride.
The honour was bestowed upon her by Paryaya Shri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji of Puttige Math, and formally presented by Sri Vishwapriya Tirtha Swamiji of Adamaru Math. The event also marked the inauguration of a new yali—a traditional sculptural lion motif—within the temple premises.
'Serving people is serving God'
Speaking on the occasion, Sitharaman expressed her deep emotional connection to Udupi’s spiritual traditions. She praised Puttige Math for its impactful religious outreach, especially the ongoing initiative to collect one crore handwritten copies of the Bhagavad Gita, calling it a “remarkable spiritual endeavour”.
She also commended the temple’s age-old tradition of Anna Dasoha (free meal distribution), stating: “The joy and satisfaction seen on the faces of devotees after a wholesome meal is a reflection of Lord Krishna’s presence.”
The minister said she had always received the blessings of the Ashta Math seers, and emphasised the importance of national service and youth upliftment. “Serving people is serving the nation, and serving God,” she remarked, adding that the visit on Raksha Bandhan was a deeply moving moment for her.
Sitharaman offered prayers for the nation’s well-being, and wished for the continued success of prime minister Narendra Modi, urging all citizens to hold Bharat Mata close to their hearts.
'Rukmini Returns to Udupi,' says Swamiji
In his address, Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji poetically revealed that Sitharaman’s birth name is Rukmini, drawing a spiritual parallel with Lord Krishna’s consort. “Perhaps Udupi Krishna desired to see Rukmini once more,” he said.
He described the finance minister as the “Goddess of Fortune” for the nation, applauding her Ynion Budgets and vision for India’s economic growth. He expressed confidence that, with Lord Krishna’s blessings and Sitharaman’s leadership, India would rise to become a leading global economic power.
Devotion in action
Sitharaman’s humility and spiritual devotion were evident throughout her visit. Alongside Infosys Foundation chairperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, she actively took part in several temple service rituals.
Both were seen seated in the Chandra Shale (temple courtyard), stringing flower garlands for the deity, which they personally offered to Lord Krishna. Sitharaman also helped wash and clean offering vessels, and later assisted with food preparation at the Anna Brahma kitchen—just like any other devotee.
Her down-to-earth participation and reverence were widely appreciated by onlookers and temple authorities.
This unique confluence of tradition, devotion, humility, and national leadership marked a memorable chapter in the spiritual and cultural legacy of ShriKrishna Math.